Fig. 1

Characterization of 2D and 3D BMSC. a Representative images of 2D and 3D BMSC, scale bars 100 µm. Expression (fold changes) of multipotency-related genes (b) and osteogenesis-related genes (c) in 3D BMSC relative to 2D BMSC after 7 days; the latter were assessed in growth (non-induced) or induction media (osteo-induced). Data represent means of 3 experimental replicates; statistical analyses are based on delta-Ct values; *p < 0.05; **p < 0.001. d Protein (cytokine) concentrations (pg/mL) in the conditioned media (CM) of 2D and 3D BMSC normalized to corresponding DNA contents (ng/mL); data are presented as the logarithm (log10) of the ratio of means of each cytokine in 3D-CM/2D-CM; *p < 0.05. e Mineralization in 2D and 3D BMSC detected via Alizarin red staining, scale bars 100 µm. BMP2, bone morphogenetic protein 2; SOX9, sex determining region Y-box 9; PPARG, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma; BSP, bone sialoprotein; OPN/SPP1, osteopontin; OCN/BGLAP osteocalcin. Multiplex assay (see Additional file 1: Table 2)